Daijiworld Media Network - Puerto Leguizamo
Puerto Leguizamo, Mar 24: At least 34 people were killed when a Colombian Air Force transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the southern Amazon region of Colombia on Monday, authorities said.
According to Luis Emilio Bustos, the mayor of nearby Puerto Leguizamo, “unfortunately, the information is of 34 deaths.” Jhon Gabriel Molina also confirmed that 34 people were killed, adding that 21 individuals are yet to be identified.
The incident involved a Lockheed Martin-built Hercules C-130 transport aircraft, which was taking off from Puerto Leguizamo near the border with Peru when it went down, said Pedro Sanchez. The aircraft reportedly crashed about 1.5 km from the runway.
Authorities said ammunition carried on board detonated following a fire that broke out after the crash. However, officials clarified that there was no indication of an attack by illegal actors, and the aircraft was deemed airworthy with a qualified crew prior to departure.
Emergency response teams are continuing identification efforts and investigation into the cause of the crash.